SSDRC




What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI?

How do you Win Benefits under Social Security Disability or SSI?

If I am determined disabled, how far back will Social Security pay benefits?

How do you prove your disability case if you have a mental condition?

What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Winning Disability Benefits

Common Mistakes after Receiving a Denial of Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits

How to File for Disability - Tips for Filing

If You Get Approved For SSDI Will You Also Get Medicare?

How much does a Social Security disability attorney get paid?

Social Security Disability SSI Criteria and the Evaluation Process

How long does it take to be approved for SSI or Social Security disability?

What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability SSI and Fibromyalgia

Social Security Disability SSI and Degenerative Disc Disease

Can I Qualify For Disability and Receive Benefits based on Depression?

Answers to questions about SSD and SSI disability

What Disabilities Qualify for SSI and Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability Status

Social Security Disability Tips — how a claim gets worked on

Social Security Disability, SSI Disability - Terms, Definitions, Concepts


Is there an income limit to be under when you apply for disability?


How to prove you are disabled
and win disability benefits

 
Yes, there is an income limit to be under when you apply for disability. This is the case whether your claim is for social security disability benefits or for Supplemental security income, or SSI, benefits. The limit is based on gross monthly wages earned in a single month. The limit is called SGA and SGA stands for substantial gainful activity.

SGA is a way for the social security administration to determine whether or not an applicant for disability benefits is actually disabled. The way SSA views it, if a person is capable of working and earning at least this amount (to see the current SGA amount: the social security disability SSI earnings limit), then they cannot be considered disabled.

The way that the social security disability and SSI programs actually work is in steep contrast to the incorrect assumption made by many that to qualify for disability benefits a person must be able to work at all. The truth is that the social security administration recognizes that the mere ability to work and earn a minimal income should not disqualify a person from receiving disability benefits.

Individuals who are filing for disability should always be upfront about their earned income if they have wages. And, without a doubt, individuals who have been approved for disability and are receiving benefits should immmediately report their work activity should they become employed.














Return to:  SSDRC, or the Questions, Answers, Tips, and Advice page












Topics and Questions


  • If you get denied on a disability appeal can you get another appeal ?

  • The Social Security Disability Approval

  • Can you be denied for disability even if your doctor recommends that you be approved?

  • Social Security Disability, SSI and Being Over the Age of Fifty, 50

  • What Can You Do to Make Sure Your Social Security Disability Reconsideration Gets Approved?

  • Do I Need a Lawyer for My Social Security Disability Hearing?

  • Applying for disability benefits in Michigan

  • How Long Does Your Attorney Have To File Your Social Security Disability Appeal?

  • Will You Get Social Security Disability Benefits If You Cannot Work Your Old Job?

  • Social Security Disability and SSI Disability Benefits

  • Will Social Security Deny You Disability Without Looking At Your Medical Records?

  • Social Security Disability and the Job that You Worked

  • How does the Social Security disability (and SSI) appeals process work?

  • What happens when you go to a Social Security disability hearing ?

  • Social Security Notice of Denial for a Disability Application or Appeal

  • Social Security Disability Hearing-How Do I Request One?

  • Social Security Disability Mental Testing

  • Social Security Disability Issues and Representation

  • The Qualification Criteria for Social Security Disability and SSI

  • What Does It Mean If you Are Denied For Disability Because Of Other Work?

  • If I Get Denied Twice For Disability, What Do I Do?

  • Social Security Disability and SSI Eligibility

  • How Do You Win An SSI or Social Security Disability Hearing?

  • Hiring a Qualified Disability Lawyer in Minnesota

  • When Social Security Disability Is Awarded Do You Get A Notice, And What Does It Say?

  • How Long Does A Social Security Disability Appeal Take?

  • How Long Does It Take To Get SSDI If You Have To Appeal?
























    SSD and SSI are Federal Programs

    The title II Social Security Disability and title 16 SSI Disability programs operate under federal guidelines and, therefore, the program requirements--medical and non-medical--apply to all states:

    Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

    Recent approval and denial statistics for various states can be viewed here:

    Social Security Disability, SSI Approval and Denial Statistics by state

    Special Section: Disability Lawyers and unnecessary claim denials